The Muppet Movie is a True Classic

I do not think it is a stretch of the imagination to say that most everyone knows who Kermit the Frog is. I also do not think it is a stretch of the imagination to say that most every drummer drew some inspiration from Animal. Of course, we are talking about the Muppets, a group with a funny bear, a karate chopping pig, the most famous frog in existence, and whatever Gonzo is. Now, Kermit and his band of friends are well known for their show, simply called The Muppet Show, where celebrities like Alice Cooper, Elton John, and Julie Andrews all made guest appearances. Since the shows start in 1976 and even after the show went off-air in 1981, the Muppet franchise has released several movies staring this green icon and all of his goofy groupies. However, the first of these movies, The Muppet Movie still stands out among the crowd as a wonderful work of cinema for all ages. Here are some of my reasons why The Muppet Movie is and will always be a true classic.

• A smart opening scene

The movie starts with the whole Muppet gang, even those who don't ever appear in the movie again until the very end, waiting to watch The Muppet Movie which tells of how they all got together and made it to Hollywood (the same movie we watch as the audience). This actually makes more sense than just seeing the movie unfold, especially seeing that the gang had been together on the show for three years already when the movie was released. This also gave anyone's favorite Muppet some screen time and the infamous "guys in the balcony" something to make fun of.

• Terrific music

It would not be a full list of accomplishments if I did not mention the thought provoking, fun, and heartwarming music of Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher. "Rainbow Connection," Kermit's opening song was an instant classic for its catchy tune and simple lyrical depth. However, other songs like the upbeat "Moving Right Along" and the heartwarming "I'm Going Back There Someday" also have audiences across the world humming along with the puppets.

• Puns

No matter what age you are, you can't help but chuckle at the quips, irony, and puns hidden (or sometimes not so hidden) in every scene. Whether it's the heckling of Statler and Waldorf, Kermit admitting to himself that he has no idea what Gonzo is, Fozzie getting his license through a correspondence course, or any of the many one line puns throughout the movie, The Muppet Movie gets high points for comedy in my book.

• Cameo actors and Jim Henson

Through Jim Henson's amazing voice acting and puppetry, many of the Muppets were truly brought to life, including the only amphibian to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an honorary doctorate, Kermit the Frog. The Muppet Movie also features short scenes from notable actors like Richard Pryor, Orson Welles, Carol Kayne, James Coburn, and Steve Martin. 

• Unexpected defeat of the protagonist

Of course, beloved Kermit cannot be defeated by the evil Doc Hopper, but even though the scene where they confront sets up Doc Hopper's repentance from his evil ways, his defeat is far from this possibly Hallmark-y ending. (I don't want to spoil it beyond that if by some chance, you have not watched The Muppet Movie for yourself.)

• A driving plot and an ending that makes sure no one is left behind

Even with all of the puns and appearances of celebrities in small breakaway scenes, the driving plot of the movie is consistently present with antagonist Hopper always pursuing the Muppets and Kermit and his new friends always looking forward to their careers in Hollywood. Also, when the movie screening finishes, Sweetums tears through the movie screen finally catching up to the Muppet gang so he can join them in their career in Hollywood.

These are just some of the things that make The Muppet Movie great. If you have not watched it, I would highly recommend it and if you have not watched it in a while, maybe you want to re-watch it and laugh all over again at Kermit and his band of friends. Also, who's your favorite Muppet and why? Comment below! My favorite is Rowlph the Dog. He is devoted to piano and is calm when confronted with problems. He also has a dry humor that cracks me up. 

Check out my YouTube Channel! This Tuesday I posted a mashup of "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran and "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty. Click here to watch or find it under the playlist tab on my channel.